Already in the 19th century, Słupiec grew into an important coal mining center, and the shafts and spoil tips became a permanent feature of the landscape. Only in 1973 was the town administratively merged with Nowa Ruda, creating a single entity – although to this day, Słupiec retains its distinct character, quieter and more spacious than the city center.

Nowa Ruda itself, on the other hand, is a town with a distinct mountainous character. It can surprise visitors with its steep streets and interesting architecture. Worth seeing is the market square, with its town hall and tenement houses of Silesian origin, as well as St. Nicholas' Church – one of the most important landmarks. But the most interesting things lie beyond the main trail – old mining settlements, traces of industrial infrastructure, and former railway lines.

One of the biggest attractions is the Nowa Ruda Coal Mine, now open to the public as a tourist attraction. This isn't your typical museum, offering a descent underground, where you can feel the dampness of the rocks, hear the echoes of ancient mining operations, and see what the miners' everyday life was like.